Residential : House Builders & Developers News
Green light for £70m Stockport town centre apartment scheme

Green light for £70m Stockport town centre apartment scheme

Planning permission has been granted for a landmark £70m residential development in Stockport town centre, paving the way for construction to begin early next year. The scheme, designed by AEW Architects, will provide a new community in the heart of Stockport, delivering 245 high-quality homes on a currently vacant 0.4

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PIC and Court Collaboration celebrate with One Eastside topping out ceremony

PIC and Court Collaboration celebrate with One Eastside topping out ceremony

Pension Insurance Corporation (“PIC”), a specialist insurer of defined benefit pension funds, and Court Collaboration, a Birmingham specialist residential property developer, celebrated the Topping Out of the One Eastside development, which at 51 storeys is becoming the tallest building in Birmingham. PIC forward funded the £200 million One Eastside development

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Latest Issue
Issue 331 : Aug 2025

Residential : House Builders & Developers News

Skyline Transformation: Plans Progress for Fourth Tower at Belfast’s City Quays

Skyline Transformation: Plans Progress for Fourth Tower at Belfast’s City Quays

A striking new addition to Belfast’s waterfront is on the horizon, as Belfast Harbour Commissioners (BHC) move forward with plans for the latest phase of the City Quays development. Contractors are now being invited to express interest in the design and construction of City Quays 4 – a landmark 23-storey residential tower that will bring 256 apartments to the heart of the city. A formal contract notice has been published, marking the next step in the regeneration of Belfast’s historic docklands. The £50 million scheme will include a 12-storey adjoining element and boast a gross floor area of approximately 20,400 square metres (219,585 sq ft). The design features piled foundations and a reinforced in-situ concrete frame, complemented by glazed windows and external cladding to create a contemporary urban profile. Construction is slated to begin in February 2026, with completion targeted for November 2028. The procurement route will follow a two-stage novated design and build process, beginning with a nine-month pre-construction services agreement (PCSA), followed by a 24-month construction phase. City Quays, a £275 million regeneration initiative, has already delivered three Grade A office buildings – City Quays 1, 2 and 3 – reshaping Belfast’s waterfront with modern workspaces and public realm improvements. The introduction of residential development in phase four marks a major step towards a more mixed-use, vibrant city quarter. With this next tower, Belfast’s skyline – and its ambitions – continue to rise. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Kent site managers for Barratt David Wilson Homes win national awards for quality

Kent site managers for Barratt David Wilson Homes win national awards for quality 

Four Barratt Homes and David Wilson Homes site managers across several Kent developments including Roman Walk, The Poppies, Saxon Fields and Aylesham Park have won a top national award for the quality homes they are building. Neil Johnson at Roman Walk, Mark Dyson at The Poppies, Sarwar Mohamad at Saxon Fields and Mark Fairman at Aylesham Park have won a Pride in the Job Award from the National House Building Council (NHBC). Now in its 45th year the awards are widely considered the ‘Oscars’ of the homebuilding industry, showcasing the highest standard of building homes. In total there have been 115 Pride in the Job Quality Achievements awarded to Barratt Homes and David Wilson Homes site managers, which marks the 21st year in a row that the housebuilder has won more than anyone else. This achievement underlines just how important Barratt Homes and David Wilson Homes sees building high quality homes for its customers. The award acknowledges the very best site managers across the country based on their technical expertise, health and safety, consistency, leadership and attention to detail. Each site manager is celebrated for their role in ensuring new homes are delivered on time, on safe sites and to the highest standards. Natalie Perry, Sales & Marketing Director at Barratt David Wilson Kent, commented: “It is fantastic that as a region we have received a high rate of Pride in the Job awards. It goes to show the high quality standards of our homes and the site team that works to provide them. Our division can feel proud that we have contributed to yet another win for the housebuilder, taking first place once again for the 21st year in a row.” The awards closely follow Barratt Homes and David Wilson Homes being awarded 5-stars by its customers for satisfaction in the annual Home Builders Federation (HBF) new homes survey. This is the 16th year in a row that Barratt Homes and David Wilson customers have rated it as a 5-star housebuilder, with more than 90% of its customers saying they would recommend it to a friend. Barratt David Wilson Kent is selling a selection of three- and four-bedroom homes at Roman Walk, Saxon Fields, The Poppies and Aylesham Park, with prices starting from £307,995. To find out more about Barratt Homes and David Wilson Homes, visit www.barratthomes.co.uk / www.dwh.co.uk or call 0333 355 8502 / 0333 3558 503. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Vistry secures planning for final phase of 1,001-home development in Bexhill-on-Sea

Vistry secures planning for final phase of 1,001-home development in Bexhill-on-Sea

Vistry Group, one of the UK’s leading providers of affordable and mixed-tenure homes, has received planning approval for the final phase of its major residential development in Bexhill-on-Sea, East Sussex. Under the plans approved by Rother District Council, the latest phase will deliver 354 new homes, including 87 affordable homes – comprising 31 for affordable rent and 56 for shared ownership – which have been forward sold to CBRE Investment Management’s UK Affordable Housing Fund. The remaining 267 homes will be for open market sale and delivered under Vistry’s Bovis and Linden Homes brands. Enabling and infrastructure works for the final phase are due to begin later this year, with the first homes expected to be completed in 2026. The development will offer high-quality housing across a range of tenures, designed to meet local needs. A strong focus has also been placed on green infrastructure and placemaking, with access to existing and new open spaces, walking and cycling routes, and connections to local services. Located to the east of Bexhill, the wider strategic development will now provide a total of 1,001 homes. It forms part of a long-term plan to support housing growth across the region and contribute to the creation of a sustainable new community. Brendan Evans, Managing Director at Vistry Kent, commented: “Securing planning for the final phase of our Bexhill development is a landmark moment for our team. This scheme has already made a significant contribution to meeting housing demand in East Sussex, and this final phase will bring even more high-quality, energy-efficient homes to the area. We’re proud to be delivering a mixed-tenure community that supports local people, in partnership with CBRE Investment Management.” Andrew Davey, Fund Manager, UK Affordable Housing Fund at CBRE Investment Management, added: “This latest acquisition of 87 affordable homes builds on the 153 homes we secured in Bexhill last year, reinforcing our long-term commitment to delivering high-quality, affordable housing in the local community. Through our UK Affordable Housing Fund, we are proud to be deploying institutional capital to address the chronic undersupply of affordable homes, while generating long-term, stable returns for our investors. We’re pleased to be extending our partnership with Vistry on this important scheme, which aligns with our ambition to create sustainable, inclusive communities across the UK.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Catesby Estates completes sale of land parcel for 96 homes in Southwater, West Sussex, to Barratt Redrow

Catesby Estates completes sale of land parcel for 96 homes in Southwater, West Sussex, to Barratt Redrow

Sale by strategic land promoter follows a complex five year planning process, which included two separate Public Inquiries by the Planning Inspectorate Catesby Estates, a leading strategic land promoter, has completed the sale of a 14.8 acres site with reserved matters planning permission for 96 homes at Rascals Farm in Southwater, West Sussex. The price was not disclosed. The site, located south of Southwater, will provide a range of 2, 3, 4 and 5 bedroom homes of various types (apartments, terraced, semi-detached and detached houses). 35% of the homes will be affordable, of mixed type and tenure, with priority given to local residents or those with a local connection. The development will also feature a new large, open and informal public space for new and existing residents, with the existing grassland to be maintained and enhanced to support biodiversity. Detailed planning approval was secured following a 2024 Reserved Matters application for 96 homes, including the provision of an off-site water neutrality solution being approved at committee in August 2025. This innovative solution to water neutrality ensures that any new dwellings do not increase the rate of water abstraction for drinking water supplies, above existing levels. This followed an outline planning permission in August 2021, which Catesby secured after a successful appeal to the Planning Inspectorate. Horsham District Council had refused the 2020 application using delegated powers citing the principle of development, but this was overturned following a four day Public Inquiry, where the Planning Inspectorate agreed that the site had limited impact upon the wider landscape character and that the Council could only demonstrate a 4.2 year housing land supply. This was the first appeal decision in the District at that time which confirmed that the council could not demonstrate a five year supply of land for housing. A further Public Inquiry was held by the Planning Inspectorate into an application from a local resident to West Sussex County Council to register the land as a Town & Village Green, which would have protected the land from future development. Catesby robustly objected to the application resulting in a Public Inquiry being held in 2021. The report issued by the Inspector following the Inquiry found the applicant’s case had failed on all counts and should therefore be refused. Andy Wright, Associate Land Director at Catesby Estates, said: “We are very pleased that Barratt Redrow will be taking forward this site to deliver high quality new homes and public space for Southwater. This has been a particularly lengthy and complex planning process, with two Public Inquiries and engagement with planning officers at both the district & county level on multiple applications. Catesby was able to demonstrate the application complied with policy and draw on evidence that local housing supply was less than had been cited. We are very proud to have seen the application through to a successful conclusion on behalf of the landowner, and that much needed new homes and improved public space will now finally be delivered for the community.” Jack Allan, Land Director at Barratt Redrow, adds: “Barratt Redrow are delighted to have completed on the land at Rascals Farm, Southwater. It was a pleasure to work with Catesby Estates who were extremely pragmatic and quick at making decisions to allow a smooth transaction. Furthermore, the planning application they obtained is a testament to their in-house skills by presenting us with the ideal foundation to create a thriving community. “This site represents a great opportunity for the business to provide much needed high quality new homes in the area of Horsham. With this area being impacted by water neutrality in recent years, there has been a real lack of supply. However, Catesby were able to secure offsite mitigation meaning we are able to make a prompt start on site. We look forward to delivering a great scheme in Southwater and deliver the much needed market and affordable housing for the area.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Luxury Development Edition Birmingham Secures £127.5 Million Backing From Eldridge

Luxury Development Edition Birmingham Secures £127.5 Million Backing From Eldridge

Court Collaboration and Select Property, the strategic partners behind Edition Birmingham, one of the city’s most prestigious residential developments, have today announced a £127.5 million loan from Eldridge Real Estate Credit, the real estate investing strategy of Eldridge Capital Management. The loan from Eldridge Real Estate Credit follows existing funding for the project provided by PGIM to Court Collaboration. Funding will support the construction of the flagship 581-apartment scheme in the heart of Birmingham. The new debt facility provided by Eldridge Real Estate Credit is one of the largest fundings announced this year for a residential development outside London. Edition Birmingham, which is being sold and marketed by Select Property, is located off Centenary Square, close to the Library of Birmingham and the £1.2 billion Paradise scheme. It is a short walk away from Colmore Row, the heart of the city’s business district. The development’s one- and two-bed apartments are split between two connected towers of 46 storeys and 15 storeys. Midgard has been selected as the contractor on the development, which has already secured over £87 million in revenue through off-plan sales. Phase one is expected to be completed by 2027. Edition’s residents will have access to an unmatched range of wellness-led amenities and benefits. Alongside cutting-edge gym and spa facilities, residents will enjoy a 20-metre above-ground swimming pool with an accompanying hydro pool, plunge pool, sauna and steam room. Residents will also be able to relax at a sky lounge complete with private dining experiences on the 44th and 45th floors. The development also includes a premium co-working lounge, called The Study, and outdoor co-working space on a 14th-floor garden terrace. Other outdoor amenities include a 9,000 sq ft podium terrace with a cinema screen and a BBQ area that connects the two buildings. Eldridge Real Estate Credit invests in real estate credit opportunities throughout the US, UK and Europe, including construction, transitional, and special situation opportunities across the capital structure. The platform has originated over $10 billion in loans, leveraging an experienced team with a disciplined approach seeking to create long-term value. PGIM Real Estate, the real estate business of PGIM, one of the largest investment firms in the world, is also a financial partner to Edition Birmingham via its PRECap series, its flagship European high-yield debt strategy. Alex Neale, CEO of Court Collaboration, said: “This funding package from Eldridge, combined with our ongoing support and relationship with PGIM, is an endorsement of the quality of Edition. Our partners recognise that the development brings luxury living to the heart of Birmingham as the city centre benefits from over £1bn of investment over the coming years. With breaking ground expected soon and completion of phase one in 2027, there’s real momentum and excitement building around Edition and what it will bring to Birmingham.” Adam Price, CEO of Select Property, said: “I’m really pleased that our partners at Eldridge believe in the inherent investment opportunity Edition provides. Birmingham is on the rise, with significant investment in the city centre and a young and growing population that wants high-quality living in the heart of town. We’ve seen strong appetite from owner-occupiers and investors alike; something reflected in the large number of off-plan sales. All this underlines the prestige of Edition and the fact there is nothing else like it in Birmingham.” John Cole, Global Head of Real Estate Credit at Eldridge Capital Management, added: “The teams at Court Collaboration and Select Property have consistently demonstrated their ability to deliver and market high-quality, competitive residential offerings. With over 40% of units already sold, we believe Edition is well-positioned to capitalise on Birmingham’s continued growth, and we look forward to a strong and successful partnership.” Jesse Bostwick, Executive Director, European High Yield Debt Originations at PGIM Real Estate, commented: “Court Collaboration has proven to be a trusted partner and we’re excited to be working together on this project. Our PRECap strategy provides capital solutions including preferred equity and other flexible structures across the lending spectrum, which enables us to support projects in markets with strong fundamentals and unlock the potential of key central sites.” Court Collaboration was advised by Gateley Legal on the legal financing aspects of the transaction and by TRST on debt structuring. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Vistry Advances Plans for Sunderland’s Riverside Sheepfolds Neighbourhood

Vistry Advances Plans for Sunderland’s Riverside Sheepfolds Neighbourhood

Plans have been formally submitted for a major riverside regeneration project in Sunderland, with enabling works on the new Sheepfolds neighbourhood potentially starting as early as autumn. The hybrid planning application outlines proposals for up to 600 new homes, as well as commercial space and a car park, forming a key part of the city’s broader ambition to re-populate and revitalise its centre. Sheepfolds will become the most densely populated of the four emerging neighbourhoods within the Riverside Sunderland masterplan, located on the north side of the River Wear and connected to the city centre via the new Keel Crossing. Vistry Group, named as the council’s preferred development partner in May, is spearheading the plans. The hybrid application includes a detailed submission for the first phase of remediation works, which could begin in autumn 2025, with full housing construction targeted to start in early spring 2026. Councillor Kevin Johnston, portfolio holder for housing, regeneration and business at Sunderland City Council, said:“There is a pace to the development programme in this city that sends a clear message to our residents that we deliver what we say we will. The works proposed within the planning application will prepare the site for the first phase of residential development, which will be located to the east of the neighbourhood, connecting the fantastic new Housing Innovation and Construction Skills Academy with the St Peter’s Metro station.” The Riverside Sunderland vision aims to regenerate 32 hectares of brownfield land, delivering 1,000 new homes across four communities, with Sheepfolds set to play a central role in shaping the area’s future. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Green light for £70m Stockport town centre apartment scheme

Green light for £70m Stockport town centre apartment scheme

Planning permission has been granted for a landmark £70m residential development in Stockport town centre, paving the way for construction to begin early next year. The scheme, designed by AEW Architects, will provide a new community in the heart of Stockport, delivering 245 high-quality homes on a currently vacant 0.4 hectare brownfield site. Spanning two buildings of eight to 20 storeys, the development will deliver a mix of one-, two-, and three-bedroom homes, designed in line with Passivhaus Low Energy Standard principles. Comprising 12 townhouses and 233 apartments, 10% of the apartments are designed to M4(3) wheelchair-adaptable standards. In addition, the surrounding public realm has been carefully planned to ensure accessibility, making the development as inclusive as possible. The design puts people first, with features that make everyday living better. These include clever positioning to make the most of natural sunlight, bright and airy staircases, shared laundry areas, and a rooftop garden with community allotments and solar panels. At the heart of the development sits a 100m² flexible space which can be used for various events and workshops for residents and non-residents. The site presented several challenges, including a significant 6-metre level difference and a large retaining wall between the parcels. Additional complexities include the varied scale of neighbouring properties, which range from one to twelve storeys, as well as consented and emerging proposals on nearby sites. The approved plans aim to revitalise a key gateway site while supporting Stockport’s wider regeneration strategy for Stockport East and ambitions to create a vibrant, urban residential community in the heart of the town. Phil Hepworth, director at AEW Architects, said: “We’re extremely pleased to have reached this milestone in bringing forward innovative, flexible, age-friendly and contextually-appropriate accommodation in the centre of Stockport. In collaboration with the wider design team, we have conducted detailed site analysis, engaged in public consultation activities, and liaised closely with key stakeholders to shape our proposals. “Since initial designs in 2020, we have worked with the local planning authority to refine the building form, adjusting massing to respond to a changing brief, the evolving context, and the need to address the site’s topographical and contextual constraints with a robust design solution. “The buildings are conceived as two interconnected blocks lined by a double-height atrium. To address the site’s topography and the surrounding built context, we have adopted a design strategy that breaks the development into distinct forms, each responding individually to the streetscape they face.” Euan Kellie, founding director at Euan Kellie Property Solutions which lodged the planning application, added: “Stockport is going great guns in terms of its evolution and we’re all very pleased to have reached this important milestone in the delivery of a major new development. “We’re firm believers that future schemes are not a one size fits all and this project demonstrates that in spades.” David Fairclough, director at Progressive Living, concluded: “This approval represents a major milestone for a project that’s been six years in the making, and we’re proud to play our part in shaping the next chapter of the town centre’s transformation.” Brought forward by Manchester-based developer Progressive Living in partnership with residential operator Picture This, the development is backed by a highly-experienced team, including Re-Form, renaissance, Zerum, OFR, GIA, Novo, Our Studio, Jameson Acoustics, SK Transport, Turley, Oxford Archaeology, Euan Kellie Property Solutions and AEW Architects. It is hoped demolition and enabling works can start this year with construction expected to begin in spring 2026, following BSA Gateway 2 approval. Completion is targeted for Summer 2028. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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PIC and Court Collaboration celebrate with One Eastside topping out ceremony

PIC and Court Collaboration celebrate with One Eastside topping out ceremony

Pension Insurance Corporation (“PIC”), a specialist insurer of defined benefit pension funds, and Court Collaboration, a Birmingham specialist residential property developer, celebrated the Topping Out of the One Eastside development, which at 51 storeys is becoming the tallest building in Birmingham. PIC forward funded the £200 million One Eastside development and will own it for the long term. Court Collaboration is delivering the development. Once complete, PIC will use the rental income generated from the development to help pay the pensions of its policyholders. Almost 15,000 of these policyholders currently live in the West Midlands, and PIC has paid more than £1 billion in pensions in the region since 2012. PIC has also invested more than £900 million in the West Midlands to date, including in social housing, electrified rail, and the University of Birmingham. A number of PIC Policyholders were present at the celebration event. After breaking ground in March 2023, One Eastside is set to complete in 2026 and will feature 667 high-quality new homes for rent, with state-of-the-art co-working spaces and a range of amenities for residents, including a cinema room, sky lounge, and gym. Guests at the Topping Out ceremony were given a tour of the show apartments before heading up to the 150m-high sky terrace to take in the new views of the city and the quality of the amenities soon to be on offer. A celebratory lunch was also held at Birmingham Conservatoire. Rob Groves, Chief Investment Officer at PIC, said: “We are proud to have reached another milestone in our One Eastside development, with 140 of the total of 667 high-quality homes made available for rent in the heart of Birmingham. One Eastside will be the tallest building in the city and help pay the pensions of our policyholders for decades to come.” Alex Neale, Chief Executive Officer at Court Collaboration, added: “What a journey it’s been to reach this milestone for One Eastside. I couldn’t be prouder of the team or more grateful to our partners such as PIC, our main contractor Midgard, who have done – and are still doing – such an amazing job, and of course, Birmingham City Council. Only by genuinely working together with passion can we deliver these types of developments, and I’d like to thank everybody that joined us today to celebrate.” Councillor Sharon Thompson, Deputy Leader of Birmingham City Council, also addressed guests at the event, highlighting the city’s ambitious regeneration agenda. She said, “Partnerships with forward-thinking local businesses like Court Collaboration are absolutely vital to our city’s continued growth and transformation. I want to thank Alex and his team, along with Pension Insurance Corporation, for sharing our vision for a more inclusive, dynamic, and economically resilient city. The topping out of this landmark development is not just a construction milestone, it’s a symbol of the momentum we’re building across Birmingham. From creating new homes and jobs to revitalising our urban spaces, this project reflects the kind of sustainable regeneration that will power our city’s future.” Also present at the Topping Out were members of the project team, including lead contractor Midgard, and representatives from Birmingham City University (BCU), including Hanifa Shah, Pro Vice-Chancellor STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) and Executive Dean of the Faculty of Computing, Engineering and the Built Environment. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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CBG Consultants Celebrate Civic Trust Award Win for Cosway Street Residential Development

CBG Consultants Celebrate Civic Trust Award Win for Cosway Street Residential Development

CBG Consultants are proud to announce that Cosway Street, a landmark residential project in Westminster, Greater London, has been awarded a Civic Trust Award. These significant awards recognise projects that make an outstanding contribution to the built environment, not just through architectural or design excellence, but by delivering sustainable, accessible places that offer lasting value. Located in Marylebone, Cosway Street forms part of Westminster City Council’s ambitious Church Street Masterplan. This collection of 49 high-quality homes is set around a peaceful communal garden and is a thoughtful and contemporary build that reflects its urban surroundings and conservation area status. The development delivers a mix of one, two, and three-bedroom apartments, designed with both modern living and community well-being in mind. Westminster City Council’s wider vision is a pioneering housebuilding programme. It aims to provide high-quality homes across a range of tenures, creating inclusive neighbourhoods while reinvesting in the local community. CBG Consultants were appointed to deliver the building services strategy for Cosway Street, with the design brief calling for a landlord’s central heating system and summer comfort cooling to all apartments. This was achieved through a central gas-fired boiler system, distributing heating and hot water to each apartment via individual Heat Interface Units. The system was designed to the Danish standard DS439, ensuring realistic pipework sizing and operational efficiency. Comfort cooling is provided to the living rooms and master bedrooms through a Mitsubishi air source heat pump, with each resident having full control of their cooling. Both the heating and cooling systems are intelligently interfaced to prevent them from conflicting. At the sister building on Ashbridge Street, a central air source heat pump ambient loop was installed for the heating/hot water HIU’s demonstrating a flexible, site-specific approach to the energy strategy. Delivering on the London Plan’s energy targets required detailed modelling and coordination across the design team. The project team, comprising of the architect, structural engineer, and landscape architect, worked closely with CBG to ensure all aspects of the building’s performance met the highest standards. High-performance insulation, mechanical ventilation with heat recovery, and an extensive rooftop photovoltaic installation contribute to significant reductions in operational energy consumption. On-site renewable energy generation now meets over a quarter of the building’s total energy demand, further supporting Westminster’s environmental ambitions. Cosway Street is an outstanding example of how design and engineering can come together to support sustainable regeneration. The Civic Trust Award is a fantastic recognition of the collaborative efforts that have created a place that not only looks exceptional, but delivers social, environmental and long-term value too. CBG Consultants are delighted to have contributed to this award-winning development and remain committed to helping shape low-carbon, community-focused places for the future. Associate Director, Ian Law from CBG Consultants said, “Regenerating our cities sustainably requires more than good design. At CBG Consultants, we see projects like Cosway Street as an opportunity to embed low-carbon systems and future-ready infrastructure into everyday living. Creating resilient, responsible places calls for smart, efficient engineering that responds to both environmental challenges and the needs of the people who live there.” Project Credits Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Catesby Estates sells 162 acre mixed-use site in Essex to Barratt and David Wilson Homes

Catesby Estates sells 162 acre mixed-use site in Essex to Barratt and David Wilson Homes

– The site has been sold to Barratt and David Wilson Homes’ Eastern Counties division, with outline permission for up to 1,000 homes, a new school, retail and employment space – Catesby Estates, a leading strategic land promoter, has completed the sale of Straits Mill, a 162 acre site in Braintree, Essex, to Barratt and David Wilson Homes Eastern Counties. The site was secured by Catesby Estates as part of the recent acquisition of L&Q Estates in August 2024. Five landowners entered into a promotion agreement in 2017, ahead of the team securing an allocation in Braintree Council’s adopted Local Plan, working through several technical constraints and subsequently receiving outline planning approval in 2021. The 162 acre site has been sold to Barratt and David Wilson Homes with outline consent for up to 1,000 new homes including 30% affordable housing, land for a primary school and early years provision, as well as a local retail centre and employment space that can be transformed into offices or industrial units. A network of cycling and pedestrian facilities are also set to be introduced, alongside improvements to the river walk to the south of the site. During the construction phase this site is expected to create 800 direct and indirect new jobs, and around a further 40 once the educational facilities are established. Adrian Clack, Group Land Director at Catesby Estates, comments: “Straits Mill is an impressive site but it also came with a number of technical and title challenges and so it is testament to the team for securing its allocation within the Council’s adopted Local Plan and subsequently receiving outline consent for a scheme that will have long lasting benefits for its residents and surrounding community. Catesby Estates is now delighted to have sold the land to Barratt and David Wilson Homes, and we look forward to seeing the company transform the site into a thriving new community. “This announcement comes as we gear up to what we expect to be an exceptional year for Catesby Estates. The acquisition of L&Q Estates has played a significant role in us achieving this success as not only have we gained impressive new talent but the quality of, and demand for, its additional sites has allowed us to cement our position as one of the leading strategic land promoters in the UK.” Matthew Lees, Development Director at Barratt and David Wilson Homes Eastern Counties, adds: “Straits Mill is an exciting acquisition that will be a cornerstone development for us. The site will allow us to deliver our quality brands of Barratt Homes, David Wilson Homes and Redrow, offering homes for first-time buyers, families, and those looking for high-quality, energy-efficient living spaces.  “We thank Catesby Estates for securing this complex but exciting opportunity and look forward to delivering a healthy new community environment in which to live and work within Braintree, set within open green spaces and woodland, with sports and play areas, cycleways, bridleway and walking routes to enjoy, as well as new community facilities and infrastructure.” During the sale, Shakespeare Martineau acted for Catesby Estates and the landowners were represented by Strutt & Parker (BNP Paribas Real Estate) Savills and Tees Law. Osborne Clarke LLP advised Barratt and David Wilson Homes. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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